Avoid using tubes with push‐in closures (when opened, the film of liquid trapped between tube and closure breaks and releases aerosols)

Use a vortex mixer instead of inverting tubes

Wait 30 seconds after shaking a tube before opening

Pouring infectious liquids:

Avoid pouring off supernatant – use pipettes instead

Pour infectious liquid waste through a funnel where the end is below the surface of the disinfectant in the discard container; pour disinfectant through the funnel after use

Opening ampoules of lyophilized cultures:

Avoid hasty opening by snapping the neck, which can lead to sudden inrush of air and dispersal of contents – instead make a file mark near the middle of the cotton plug and apply a red‐hot glass rod to crack the glass, allow time for air to seep into the ampoule and gently remove the top and plug

Add liquid for re‐suspension slowly to avoid frothing

Breakage:

Use plastic labware rather than glass (less likely to break which generates aerosols)